Proven Paths

Good Morning,

As David reigned over Israel, there was prosperity and peace.  Absalom had been returned to the kingdom, but apparently, he still harbored bitterness over Amnon’s treatment of Thamar and David’s lack of willingness to correct the problem.  Absalom fixed the problem by having Amnon killed.  Again, David was soft and did not punish Absalom for the murder of his half brother.

The issues of heart between David and Absalom are not clear, but the following story is clearly recorded by God.

In 2 Samuel chapters 15-18, Absalom leads a rebellion against King David.  I have written about this before, but I would like to refresh your memory as to the sad result of following evil people.  

Once begun, separating from wrong leadership is difficult.  I wonder how many people knew the evils being done by targeting parents at school board meetings, yet suppressed their concerns.  How many people thought the behavior of political leaders doing things like destroying phones and off-site servers was wrong, but played the simpleton and joined the action because it was prosperous at the moment.  

Once people joined Absalom, it might have been very difficult to remove themselves from his side.  The bandwagon mentality of popularity and excitement might be satisfying for a time, but the battle in the woods is coming. 

2 Samuel 18:7 “Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.”

vs. 8 “For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.”

vs. 9 “And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.”

20,000 people died that day, many of whom surely knew their decisions had been foolish, selfish, and unmerited.  

Make no mistake – a day of reckoning is pending.  The judgment is not simply an earthly one.  There is a Judge Whose evidence is perfect and includes the outward behavior as well as the intents of the heart.  This judgement is not the kind a devious lawyer might help you avoid in an imperfect court; the Holy God knows and sees the behavior and intents of the heart, and He knows what you understood behind the scenes. 

Flee now the shameful paths of popularity and even prosperity, before the judgment day “in the wood” arrives.  One bitter man drew so many people into situations that were perhaps innocent at first (2 Samuel 15:11), but there was a time, no doubt, when they realized they were on the wrong path.  The tragic suffering that followed could never balance the short-lived thrill of being a part of Absalom’s plots.

Never follow an Absalom in causing harm to a time-tested David.  Never be a part of inflicting harm on a peaceful, prosperous kingdom – ever!!!  Most certainly, do not join in when there is no plan in place or path to follow that has been proven to be better. Foolish children will rebel against faithful parents with no idea what they might do next if they were to receive their desires. Many a weary spouse walks out on a faithful partner to follow some exciting unknown.  Much suffering usually follows.

It is wise to consider the good that you have enjoyed in the past; the men of Israel did that, but it was 20,000 deaths too late.

2 Samuel 19:9 “And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.”

vs. 10 “And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?”

The choice of people with whom you choose to run may be the very choice that causes death to you or your children. It is wise to stay with time-tested, proven paths.  

Pastor

Who Sets the Standard?

Good Morning, 

In a football game, there is a group of referees, but the one with the white hat is usually the one who makes the final call.

There are also times in some sports when someone may review the call from outside or use a replay to determine if a call is right. 

In legal matters there are courts and higher courts.  Ultimately, we have a Constitution.  

Whatever the situation, someone has AUTHORITY to make the call for right and wrong.  Building codes have inspectors and manuals on codes.  Engine manufacturers have manuals detailing specifics about maintenance and repairs.  

In summary, everything has someone or something telling us right and wrong.  It is not shocking or an abuse of power; it is natural. 

Only a few options exist when it comes to who makes the call on right and wrong in our lives:

1. Friends

2. Human Authorities 

3. A Church 

4. Personal Opinion

5. The Bible. 

Of these, which one has any true right to be the authority?

When someone says,"The Bible says so,” do not panic. It is normal for the manufacturer, the boss, or the owner to set standards.  

When someone ignores the umpire or the boss, there is a good chance they will be called out or put out. 

When God sets a standard and humanity (in all their wisdom and insight) feels they know better than God, do not be surprised if the situation does not go well. 

Let us step into 2025 trusting the TRUE authority.  

Pastor

Establishing Trust

Good Morning,

I have heard married couples struggle with trust, as one who had betrayed the other asks to simply be trusted.  The problem is that no one should trust a stranger.  A stranger is someone who has not proven their behavior in various situations, and as such, can not be depended upon.

A man or woman who did that which the spouse could not believe, who was trusted but acted in a way totally outside the realm of prior and expected response, cannot be trusted because they have become a stranger.  We tell children not to trust a stranger. Well, when you become a stranger to your spouse by actions unbecoming a married person, you just moved to stranger status and will need to take a long time to reestablish that "trust."

So it is with government. I hear big business and government people talking about communication being needed to establish lost trust. NO!  We do not need to talk.  You are an untrustworthy stranger and will have to prove yourselves to be trustworthy over A VERY LONG TIME.  You lost that trust like an adulterous spouse!  

The word honest is only used in the Bible seven times; honesty is used once; honestly is used three times.  Yet, for the few times the word is used, it is an extremely important principle in our world.

Hebrews 13:18 “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”

Romans 13:13 “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”

1 Thessalonians 4:12 “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

We are exhorted to live a life of honesty.

1 Timothy 2:2 “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

A fruitful Christian needs an honest and good heart. 

Luke 8:15 “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

Acts 6:3 lifts up men with an honest reputation.  That honesty is required to be in leadership in ministry work.  "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."

We are to live honest lives. (Romans 12:17, 2 Corinthians 8:21)

Even when we are lied about or our cause is slandered, we are to remain honest. 

2 Corinthians 13:7 “Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.”  (Also 1 Peter 2:12)

Paul urges us to think ONLY on honest things.

(That cuts out most media.)

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

All of that being said, "NO, WE WILL NOT TRUST GOVERNMENT, OR ALPHABET INSTITUTIONS – NOT FOR A LONG TIME."  As married couples say, “THEY WILL NEED TO COME CLEAN FIRST.”  Then they need to show open and honest behavior for an extended length of time.

A government that hides things, lies about things, and deceives the populace will not be trusted for a long time. Just as an adulterous spouse, no one will simply start trusting them!   

Christian, do not think it will happen with your dishonest relationships either.  When someone has been dishonest, be kind and tolerant if possible; do not hate or allow bitterness to fill your heart.  When one proves to be dishonest, do not be so foolish as to simply start trusting them. 

Pastor 

Counsel

Good Morning,

I recently wrote a few lines in regards to honoring our parents. This of course, ripples into other areas of life, and today, I will expand on the subject. Consider the Scripture that teaches simply to seek good advice.

Proverbs 28:26 “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” 

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” 

Proverbs 8:33 “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.”

Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” 

I could go on and on with Scriptures that exhort us to seek council, to not trust our own opinions, and to follow older and wiser counselors; the Scriptures are full of these principles.

Yet, today I see the same folly, especially among the young.  They have the silly idea that it is their life, and they can do as they wish.  Of course they can do as they wish, but that does not mean they will not end up in a mess.  The concept that it is your own life is wrong, at least if you are saved, it is wrong.  Paul writes, you are “bought with a price.”  If we are saved, we belong to the Lord, and He has a plan for our lives. 

As we grow older, we still have a need for wise council. May we be careful to not get thinking we have all the answers. The view from the inside is never the same as the outside, and we are certainly on the inside of our own lives. Even referees in ball games have several different men calling the game from different angles. It really does matter.

Let us be wise enough to seek council. 

Pastor

Key To Blessing

Good Morning,

Reading in Hosea, I am made aware that God is the same throughout time.  Notice this passage that explains Israel having left God and began trusting in their self-created “safety.”  

Hosea 8:14 “For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.” 

Trusting in man-made walls or fenced cities, they ignored their Maker. 

The result?  God burned their cities. 

Has America forgotten her God?  Have Americans trusted in and loved gold and silver? 

vs. 4 “They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. “

What of the Bible?  It has been explained away, ignored, mocked, ridiculed, and as such, all the blessings that come with a love for Scripture are also lost.

vs.12 "I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.” 

The rich and politically powerful are seeing their world burned and shredded. We are watching a collapse of all the liberal, God-denying that people have trusted in. They sought to toss out the Bible and morality, elevate perversion, and magnify filthy living.  These are not days to expect any favors from the Almighty.  Rather, these are days to humbly repent of the vile ideas and actions that mock God and His Word and to beg for mercy.

“…but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.”

Remember, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” 

Cursed is the nation whose god is gold.

Maybe we need to get back to the Bible, church, and raising our children in Sunday school rather than pushing gender identity and the worship of nature  nonsense. 

Pastor 

God’s Way

Good Morning,

Bobbed Hair Bossy Wives and Women Preachers was published in 1941 by Dr. John R Rice. This six-chapter booklet never made it to the New York Times best seller list (obviously).

Nobody likes to talk about subjects like those, and most people would certainly have a label for anyone who did speak about such things. I would like to take a moment to dedicate a few thoughts to the culture in which we live today.

Inspired by Dr. Rice and his unique work, I put together a small pamphlet called Verses Preachers Avoid. It is a compilation of politically-incorrect thoughts from the Scriptures.  I find it amazing how many Christians love to talk about Heaven, love, and the love of God; yet the same Book that teaches those things also teaches of righteousness, holiness, the judgment of God, and an endless string of politically-incorrect principles – all from the same Book!

I would like to direct this brief lesson to our ladies, or perhaps, to the husband and wife, who are raising girls. I have commented on this truth before, but allow me to ask rhetorical questions.

Who chose the furniture in your house?

Who chose the meal for Thanksgiving?

Who makes the decision when it’s time to buy gifts for family members?

When it comes to the yard, who chooses the flowers and other plants?

Who makes the decisions about the children’s dress?

Who plans the menu for the family?

Who, in most cases, chooses what church the family attends?

How are we doing so far? A few very strong dominant men exist who might claim half of these as their responsibility, but I am willing to guess that five out of the seven would answer "the wife."

We are faced with the Bible.  

Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”

vs. 24 “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.”

Many reasons exist for this; one reason is a man wants more than anything else to have a happy wife. For we all know, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” To be honest, most men do not have strong feelings and opinions on many of these kinds of things.

Another problem is that men defer to their wife’s preferences so often that they train their wife to be the decision maker. When we walk into a restaurant, the hostess asks if we want a table or a booth. A man wants to eat, so he does not care where they sit, so he asks his wife. The wife almost always has an opinion.  This goes on and on from early marriage to old age, and along the way, the man gets “bossed” by the lady he trained to make all the decisions.  

Each wife needs to train or retrain her husband to be the decision maker.  At work, they make the choices.  On their own, they choose parking places, tables to eat, or which route to drive. If ladies hope to gain a biblical marriage, they will need to refuse to make the decisions and transfer that responsibility back to the husband.

Some may ask, “What difference does it make?” The main reason is not the wisdom of the man or the weak indecisiveness of the woman. These would not be consistent or accurate in every case. The primary issue is to please God.  We ought to do things the way God asks us to do them. 

I suggest dividing up duties so that both can deal with areas they are more knowledgeable in.  Or areas more closely associated with their daily routine.  When we shop, I push the cart and pay.  I picked out my truck and my wife picked out her car.  (I paid for both.)  With children, and a hundreds areas, shared responsibilities are only logical.  But sadly, it is far too one sided and UNBIBLICAL. 

It is said of Abraham, that he was the friend of God:

Genesis 18:19 “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

It is said of Abraham, that he was the friend of God:

Genesis 18:19 “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” 

Abraham received special blessings because he "commanded" his household. The simple truth of the matter is blessings await those who honor God and do things His way.

Pastor 

Follow Those Who Follow God

Good Morning,

Joshua 11:5 “As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.”

This is an interesting verse with a principle that has gotten me trouble over the years. Let us take a look at the specifics first: God gave Moses some instructions; Moses gave those instructions to Joshua; “…Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.”

You will notice that Joshua was not directed by what he heard from God, but by what he heard from Moses. This is similar to Paul the apostle saying, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” I once heard a ridiculous statement: someone accused me and loyal followers by saying something like this, “If you said, jump off a cliff, these guys would jump right off.” First of all, that is a lie, no one would do that; number two, that is a stupid statement!

I do believe in leadership. If I work for a man at his place of business, I trust that he knows more than me. I may not agree with where a certain display should be set up or how the vehicle should be parked in the showroom, but it is his business not mine. As an employee, I will listen and do what I am told to do, but as soon as the leader says something that is against the Scriptures, his instructions should be ignored. As soon as your secular boss tells you to go against the clear teaching of the Scripture, you probably need a new job. In fact, if this situation pertains to a pastor as the boss, I think the employees or church members should get rid of the pastor or at least join another church.

I am in favor of listening to and honoring authorities; I am for trusting those who know more than me, even if, at times, they are not able to explain to me why they want something done. I do not have to know everything. My leader thought through all of the details before making the decision. I simply choose my leaders.

King Josiah brought such a great revival to Israel. He was seventeen generations away from David, yet it was said of Josiah that he walked in the ways of David, his father. Josiah might not be able to walk in the ways of some other father, his own or his grandpa or great grandpa, but he chose someone whom he could follow. He chose a great man whom he could honor, trust, and follow his footsteps. The same is said of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:3). Although he was five generations away from David, the Bible says he walked in the ways of David, his father.  Choose a great leader and unashamedly follow that leader. I have two pastors in Heaven, and I happily still embrace the principles that they taught me. When I was preparing to start our church, there were some questions as to the town where I should go. I went to our Pastor, Brother Hyles, and we talked for a while; he said the little town of Wildomar was a good place, and I should go there. I went. I did not need to know why he thought that. I felt that I was doing what God told him needed to be done.  If he had he told me to violate Scripture, to drink liquor, of to be involved in a moral compromise, I would have ignored his counsel and found another leader.

God can use our earthly leaders to guide us to accomplish endless earthly goals. Parents, coaches, teachers, and yes, pastors are all in the hand of God, and He guides us through our leaders. The Scripture is full of such illustrations.

Instead of telling Joshua, God told Moses, Moses told Joshua, and Moses did what he was told and was greatly blessed.

Pastor

The Biggest Loser

Good Morning, 

There are many things I do not understand. One of those is the liberty Satan has. I know he is subject to God and answers to God, but after almost fifty years of reading the Bible, my answers regarding satanic liberty are weak at best.

One thing I can say about the devil is that he is a big looser.  I heard about a program where people competed at losing the most weight.  (I never saw it, so if my impressions are wrong, I take the blame.) Satan is a loser of a much higher magnitude than any human trying to drop a few pounds. 

In this passage, we read of the situation when Satan was cast out of Heaven, and of the future time when he will be cast into Hell - this defines a loser! 

The loser cast out of Heaven:

Isaiah 14:12 “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!”

vs. 13 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:”

vs. 14 “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”

vs. 15 “Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

Satan boasted that he would be above all other angels and that he would be like God.  That is the same nonsense he fed to Eve, “..ye shall be like gods, knowing good and evil.”  God tossed him out of Heaven with the promise that he would one day be tossed into Hell.

Revelation 12:9 “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” 

Satan was cast out of Heaven and was shown to be a loser. 

In Matthew 4, we read of the temptation in the wilderness.  But before Jesus allowed Satan to tempt Him, he made Himself as weak and susceptible as is humanly possible. You know how we are; we blame our sin on being weak, tired, sick, or discouraged.  So Jesus got as far down that road as possible.  When our boys were little, when I played a game with them, I usually did so with less turns or fewer pieces, or in basketball maybe only shoot from far away.  Jesus, living in the power of the Holy Spirit, made Satan wait forty days as Jesus did without food or water.  When His weakened body was almost dead, then He invited Satan to attack Him. Here in the wilderness, Satan lost; he lost miserably to One Who was almost dead. 

Satan will be such a loser, AGAIN! 

In the future, after the tribulation, as the Lord sets up His 1,000 year reign on earth, Satan will be put away so he cannot bother anyone for a while. 

Revelation 20:2 “And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,”

vs. 3 “And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

At the end of the Millennial kingdom, Satan will be brought out of the bottomless pit and then cast into the eternal lake of fire. 

The loser will be cast into Hell!

Revelation 20:10 “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

We can also consider Job, and how God used Satan to assault this godly man. Although Job clearly discovered his own weakness and frail humanity, God once again whipped the devil, and He only used a sinful, weak human.  

The foolish people who get involved in satanism, witchcraft, and the occult are just joining the losing team.  When we resist God and ignore the clear Bible teaching, are we not choosing the losing side? 

Matthew 12:30 “He that is not with me is against me…” it looks as if there are only two sides, God’s or Satan’s.   I believe every time we resist Satan and submit to God, Satan is reminded of what a loser he is; but the opposite can also be assumed. 

Who will get our children?  Who will we serve? Who is directing our life? 

I do not want to follow a loser.  Consider our Saviour, Jesus allowed Satan and his imps to humiliate, torture, and then kill Him.  Jesus waited for three days to make it all very clear that He was dead, then Christ walked out of the grave, and tossed off death like we would a dirty shirt. In a glorified body, went to see the disciples - that is a winner!  

Pastor

Hindrances

Good Morning,

There are some people who seem to get more from the Bible than others.  I am willing to accept that God simply blesses some with understanding, but I am not willing to say there is no responsibility resting upon us. 

Notice the confession of Daniel regarding the sins of Israel. 

Daniel 9:13 “As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.”

They could not understand the Bible because they never spent time talking to God, and they would not obey God in areas of separation. 

Three things occur in a specific order:

1. A prayer life

2. A separated life

3. An understanding of the Bible

We cannot approach the Scriptures as a history book or a math book.  This Book is Divine.  This Book is alive and supernatural.  If you ignore the things it says, you will find the Book closed to you and find it to become a long drawn-out bore.  

Desire to know the Lord, to fellowship with Him, and to listen to His voice.  Submit to the Bible’s guidance, love It, and seek Its instruction on life, and then God will open the pages to you.  

Notice the similar truth in John.

John 7:17  “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

Doing what the Bible tells us to do is the doorway to a world of understanding Bible doctrine.  

When we do not understand the Bible, it is not a lack of knowledge or the need for Greek and Hebrew, but the lack of obedience to what we know.  The beer-drinking Christian will never get out of spiritual kindergarten when it comes to the Bible.  The husband who mistreats his wife will fail in many a spiritual situation (1 Peter 3:7). The fault lies in his lack of obedience to love and honor his wife.  

Begin this year determined to talk with God daily, and then ask for His help as you read His Word and look for areas in which you need to improve your obedience.  After this, you will begin to see truth open up before you as never before.  Toss out commentaries and ancient languages, and return to prayer, obedience, and submission.  The Bible will open to you like never before.

Pastor

Hurting People Hurt

Good Morning,

I have heard the statement “Hurting People Hurt People,” and I believe that is one of the most idiotic, psychology-classroom inventions ever! Educated people love to invent, explain, and often excuse behavior, and they do so without the Bible (their biggest mistake). 

Let us dissolve this foolish quote.  Who in history hurt more than any human being?  If you said Jesus, you are correct.  Jesus was hurt physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  Jesus was hurt by His nation, His friends, His religion, and His family – yet, no one in history helped more people than Jesus. He did not vent His anger and suffering on others; Jesus loved people and helped them.

We can follow the same line of thinking with the Apostle Paul; read of his suffering and the love he expressed for others.  If you have been hurt, you do not need to hurt anyone else. That is the “blame game” our culture has taught us to play.  If we hurt people, it is our choice – our own sinful, shameful, godless decision. 

Everyone has a chance to do right on their own.  Perhaps, it is harder for some than others; perhaps, good training makes doing some things easier for one than another, but we all have a choice to make every day!  Our own choice! 

1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 

2 Peter 2:9 “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”

Who has not been hurt to some extent?  Who has not suffered physically or emotionally?  

I sat talking with a veteran of well over a dozen deployments, and he made a simple comment, “I do not buy the idea of PTSD.”  (Not my words, I have never been there, and could not even comment; I am quoting a veteran of over thirty years of service.) He felt those who suffered would have had the same emotional troubles had they never served; he said it was them who had the problem, the military just gave it a release.  That perspective aligns with the things Paul and James said: 

Acts 14:15 “And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you…”

James 5:17 “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are…”

We are all subject to “like passions” (the same trials and troubles). 

The book of Job tells us, “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” and “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” 

We will face troubles.  We can do right. We choose how we respond to troubles.  

Early in my ministry, I remember responding to something my wife said, and it was only a feeling, not words or actions, just an inward impulse. I remember thinking, “That is just how my dad acted, and he left when I was a little boy; I’m not going to act like that man.”  I made a decisions how to act. Perhaps, some internal genetic things moved me, or perhaps it was an impulse trained into me by watching my dad, but one thing was clear, I was going to determine my own behavior! 

We know the verses, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and “There is none righteous…”  We all sin, and we all face similar temptations. We all live in a cursed world, and we are all surrounded by evil.  How does someone like Corrie Ten Boom suffer such injustice at the hands of the Nazis, yet live a life so full of love and care for others?  She choose to do so, and she had a relationship to God as well.  Consider Joseph and his suffering, yet he brought forth love and forgiveness. All of these hurting people helped others, they did not hurt others. 

Classroom “shrinks” are busy trying to explain and excuse behavior while leaving God out of the equation. There is a God Who helps, Who strengthens, and Who may also leave us to our own devises.  

Hosea 4:17 “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.”

Matthew 15:14 “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind…”

I do not want to find myself in a situation when God will leave me alone. I want God near, and I want His help.  Do not be so foolish as to think you can run through life without the mercy and help of God.  God may just leave you on your own, and that would be frightful.

I have three books that are nothing but stories of men and women who faced the most horrific challenges and injustices, yet found victory.  No, hurting people need not hurt people – it is a choice.

All things can work together for good, if we want them to. (Romans 8:28)

If you want to go through life blaming others for your behavior, that is your choice – but it will create a miserable existence.  If you want a different path, draw near to God, trust Christ to save you, then begin to commit every situation into the hands of a loving Father in a way directed by the Word of God. 

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Psalm 37:5 “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” 

Pastor

Payday

Good Morning,

From politics to business, and even to the people around us, we will sometimes see the prosperity of the evil and wonder; Job felt the same way, as did David.  Many passages deal with these feelings because they are common among men, “Why do the wicked prosper?” 

Psalm 49:6 “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;”

vs. 7 “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:”

Firstly, God reminds us that their money cannot redeem them or their friends.  Money may buy clothing, houses, or cars, but there is a soul to attend to and money will not redeem that soul. 

vs. 9 “That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.”

What can money do to help a man live forever?  NOTHING!  When that person with money dies, their money will be gone. That empty, deceitful, selfish life without decency or honour will face eternity naked and exposed for all of their pitiful purposes.  

Revelation 3:17 “…knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”

2 Corinthians 5:2 “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:”

vs. 3 “If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.”

At the judgement, there will be some shallow, empty lives who will be naked before God and eternity.  This short article does not allow enough time to explain the doctrine, but for the moment, you can trust the face value of the text – that day will be an awful day!  

The child of God, seeking right but facing troubles, will see the end of the story.  

Psalm 49:10 “For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.”

The rich and famous may look at houses and popularity, or social media followers and friends, and they may live as if it will go on forever, but, one day, they will die! 

Psalm 49:11 “Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.”

vs. 12 “Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish."

That person who lived for gain, vanity, vengeance, popularity, and earthly attainments will die just as a beast in the wilderness.  

Psalm 49:14 “…their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.”

vs. 15 “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.”

Trust in the Lord, do good, wait patiently, and the eternal blessings will come.  God is faithful!

Pastor

Source of Fear

Good Morning,

There are times in our lives when we fear. We may call it anxiety or distress, but those days come when sleep escapes us or our stomach feels sick. The apostle Paul spoke of being pressed out of measure. Jeremiah said that God had deceived him, and that he would not preach anymore (but, of course, he did).

The book of Isaiah points out the main source of our fear.

Isaiah 51:12  “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;”

vs. 13 “And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?”

God is the One Who brings us comfort, and yet, we fear what men say or do. Verse 12 reminds us that man is like grass, green and alive today, but it may dry up and be gone tomorrow. 

Verse 13 gives us the reason for our fear, we forget God! We forget that He is the One Who made all things, and we worry about men who made nothing. 

Now, I understand that most of us do believe God made all things; we simply doubt that He will help us. We know God can, but we fear about whether God will. Whatever it is we are facing, let us not forget God.  We may worry over decisions we have made or another has made, but we should leave justice in the hands of that One Who is perfect.

Romans 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” 

Romans 8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” 

Paul points out that God gave His very best when we were far from anything of value. It was His love that moved Him – not our worthiness.  When we were without strength or any form of righteousness (in that pitiful, condemned state), God sent His Son to die for our sins. Whether my poor choices, my sinful choices, or the evil choices of mankind around me, God is still good; God is still Almighty, and He is still worthy of our trust.

We will still have fears assault us, but let us seek to remember God; may our fears only briefly visit us and not establish residence in our hearts. 

Isaiah 51:13 “… and hast feared continually every day….”

That is no way for a child of God to live.

Pastor

Why People Gossip

Good Morning,

Luke 18:10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican."

vs. 11 “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.”

vs. 12 “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."

vs. 13 “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

vs. 14 “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Notice two things about the story:

The proud man looking down on the common sinner prayed “with himself.” God was not a party to his disdain for another human.  Also notice that the humble sinner went away just before God, not the arrogant slanderer (his slander was only between him and God).   

Why do people gossip?

I cannot read a person’s mind, but here are some guesses from half a century of working with people. 

1. People are proud and want to announce to the world that they are of higher quality than other people - they are forgetting Romans 3:23 & 6:23, and Isaiah 64:6.   

2. People wish to have the ear of other people.  They cannot accomplish anything good or for God; they have no character or wisdom that might help another, yet they wish to be the center of attention. They want to be the first to point out “juicy” information.   

1 Timothy 5:13 “…but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” 

Notice the opinion of God when He says they are “speaking things they ought not.” 

3. People wish to be popular and desire friends, yet they are so low that quality people will not spend time with them; therefore, they try to divide others from their friends in hopes of gaining some closeness in the “fallout.” 

Proverbs 16:28 “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” 

Proverbs 17:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

4. People who gossip are evil and wish to hurt other people. Do not doubt that this is true in many situations; if it were not true, God would not write so much about it.  Passages documenting this wrong are many, but I have listed just a few:

Proverbs 12:18 “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”

Proverbs 26:22 “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Romans 1:29 “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers.”  —Notice a whisperer is lined up with a murderer.

Perhaps the most harsh statement in Scripture is in Proverbs 6:19; it says that God hates the man who sows discord among brethren.

I like the verse of the children’s song that says, “You can talk about me all that you please; I’ll talk about you down on my knees…” 

Of course, there is some information that should be passed along to those in authority (parents, boss, or whomever is responsible in the situation), but to slander, gossip, or repeat a matter to people unrelated to the circumstance is evil, sinful, shameful, harmful, and as the last passage  says, God hates the person who does so. 

Pastor 

Winners Above the Rest

Good Morning,

I noticed that the disciples did not quit when Judas was revealed to be a thief and traitor.  David did not quit when his son tried to kill him and take over the kingdom. Paul did not quit when he stood alone, with no one at his side during trials.  Demas and Titus, as well as others walked away from Paul, yet he did not walk away from the work God called him to do.  When someone fails, that does not mean the institution has failed.  Each of these men pressed on and won great victories while others among them failed.  

When my dad left my mom with two boys and a house to care for, she worked long hours, but she did not give up on home and family.  After some years, she remarried, and our family was wonderfully blessed.  When one person fails, that does not mean the institution has failed.  

When the colonial Baptists were persecuted and abused, they did not abandon their faith or the “American Dream;” they pressed on while facing trials.  America was still their home and the place they desired to build their churches and future.  When someone in leadership fails, that does not mean the institution has failed.  

If you follow the book of Acts and the early church, you will find much failure on the part of the people of God; but the believers went on, overcame sorrows, and turned the world upside down. 

Whatever happens in the future, the purpose of our family, our church, and our personal lives will not change.  No leader can save the world; that is the Lord’s work, and it is believers and the church that God will use to reach our broken society.  

Do not allow a person who fails, a business that fails, a political movement that fails, or even a church that fails to influence you to think God and His work has failed.  God wins.  Bible-believing Christianity wins. Surrendered Christians win.  The church will be triumphant and be presented before His presence with “exceeding joy.”   If someone near you stops running their race, you still have yours to run.  Win it! 

Pastor

Plead For Your Nation

Good Morning,

The book of Deuteronomy repeats much of the story from Egypt to the east side of the Jordan near Jericho.  As I read about Moses and Israel, I am writing a few thoughts about prayer for our nation.  

Deuteronomy 8:5-11 – Warnings not to forget how good God has been. 

vs. 11 “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:” 

In chapter 9 God continues to warn them not to forget Who It was that gave them all of the things they enjoyed.

God also reminded them that they had been rebels, and they were far from deserving any Divine favor.

Deuteronomy 9:6 “Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.”

vs. 7 “Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD.”

Next, He addresses prayer for the nation: 

Deuteronomy 9:13 “Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:”

vs. 14 “Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.”

God asked Moses to leave Him alone to kill them all; Moses did not oblige.

vs. 26 “I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.”

There is much more to prayer, but you can understand the essence while reading this story.  Moses pled with God to not give them what they deserved.  

Today, we have the same right to come before God and to ask for mercy on a nation to whom God has been unbelievably good.  Today, we have the honor to beg the Merciful Father for the lives of our young ones, widows, and the needy. We have the chance to pray that God will not place us under the authority of evil rulers.  Do not miss this opportunity! Be the people who pray for their nation.

Pastor

Guilt

Good Morning,

There is no question that it hurts us when we fail our Lord.  Guilt, shame, embarrassment, and more can punish the child of God.

Such was the case when Peter went out and wept bitterly after denying the Lord three times.  

The world responds differently to guilt than the believer.  Remember the prophets of Baal when Elijah challenged them? They were screaming, jumping up and down, and cutting themselves.   Then there was the maniac that Jesus dealt with; he would cut himself, wander around the tombs, and cry.

Pagan, devil worship across the world is often tied to piercing and cutting themselves and abusing their bodies.   The Catholic rite of penance was often beating themselves, somehow punishing themselves for their sin.  This self-punishment is still practiced in many countries today.  Some people will have themselves tied to a cross, others really use nails and will hang for a while in hopes of paying for their sins or making God happy.   

None of these rituals are scriptural in the least.  Jesus bore our sins; He paid for them and suffered for them, and with HIS STRIPES we were healed. (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24) 

Our stripes are of no value. Living for God pleases God.  Shedding sinful, depraved blood cannot atone for wrong doing; you can be sure that all our blood is corrupt!  

Biblical sorrow:

2 Corinthians 7:10 “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

The sorrow that makes us punish ourselves is not godly.  Godly sorrow brings us sorrow and repentance, and then we live for God.  No one in the New Testament ever beat themselves or tied themselves to a cross. 

There is no need to cut yourself, pierce yourself, hate yourself, or take your own life.  That kind of sorrow is satanic and far from any Bible truths. 

Isaiah 53:4 “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”

vs. 5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

We sorrow, but not as those that have no hope, we have hope! We have rejoicing, knowing the forgiveness and mercy of God. 

Pastor

Gratitude

Good Morning, 

All over the world people face danger when they simply carry or read a Bible. In fact, in the early days of our  nation it was illegal for even preachers to read the Bible.  They were allowed to read from the common book of prayers, approved by the Anglican Church.  Many Baptists were jailed for reading the Bible, even in their homes in a church-like setting.  The fact that we can attend church, talk about our faith, and read the Bible is wonderful, but not universal.  

Educating our children in the school of our choice is likewise not a right most of the world enjoys.  Government schools are mandated throughout most of the world.  For many years, the Chinese government limited the number of children a couple could have - this only changed recently.  We all know similar scenarios, but the point is – be grateful!  

Thank God! I am not saying a colloquialism, I am saying in a heartfelt, exclamation of gratitude; lift your eyes to Heaven and tell God, “Thank you!” Most who say, “thank God“ are not even thinking about God; they simply make a common statement. I would like to urge you to tell God, “Thank you.”  Tell God “thank you” for giving us a president who is pro-Israel, pro-life, pro-freedom, and pro-Second Amendment. Thank God! I mean, stop everything, lift your eyes heavenward, and tell God, “Thank you.”  We were not far from having political leadership that would continue to dismantle our very nation, for a nation without borders is no nation at all. When we have national leaders who do not love the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, our nation will be diluted and dissolved.  Most of the world lives in such a situation; do not think that, as Americans, it is our right. It is not a right but a privilege.

Thank God, and then pray for your leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”

vs. 2 “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Pastor

It’s All About the Money

Good Morning,

The Bible is amazing! I have been reading it daily for almost fifty years, yet I continue to discover new truths in its pages. What a book!

Recently, I listened to a comedian talk about how he grew up in America before it was ruined by attorneys. I smiled in agreement. He joked about playgrounds, car seats, and the endless mandated changes to "protect" us. The average American is tired of being “protected” and wants to be left alone, while another group of Americans is the topic of the following few verses.

Micah 7:2 “…and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.”

vs. 3 “That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.”

The prince (the political leader) wants a “cut” and the judge wants a reward for his part in hunting men down (vs. 3).

Verse four tells of these folks being like thorns, scratching and tearing at everyone who passes by.

Verse 5 warns us to be careful what we say and who hears it- how often do we hear that? “If you are in an accident, do not admit anything….” I can attest that there is no one beyond passing along information, whether it be true or false if they can get something out of it.

vs. 6 “…a man's enemies are the men of his own house.”

Here is where the subject becomes more pointed. -I love the Bible for Its ability to reach through the centuries and slap society in the face.

Micah reminds us that God will care for the difficulties, and in Divine timing, He will straighten out situations (vs. 7-9).

Notice the gender in verse ten:

“Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.”

Hmmmm…. Do you know how rare this is in Scripture? Since this is not a theology class I will not go further, but this text is rare and very pointed.

Let’s sum this up. Some hunt their fellow man. They use political trends and courts, and each one will get their share of the spoil (money). The warning here is to guard with whom you speak – even family will rise against family... like thorns, cutting and tearing, but in the end, SHE… yes SHE… shall be covered with shame.

We need to remember that the end of the story has yet to be seen and that there is a God Who is so wonderful; that we cannot fathom His greatness and mercy. People will let us down, but God will not. So-called friends may change their nature, but God will always be the same. The end of the story will, as all biblical situations are, honor and glorify God.

vs. 9 “…I shall behold his righteousness.”

vs. 18 “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.”

vs. 19 “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”

We serve a wonderful God who is worthy of our trust in every situation.

Pastor

Debtor

Good Morning,

Romans 1:14  “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.”

vs. 15 “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

Romans 9:2 “That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.”

vs. “3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:"

Paul owed a serious debt to the Jewish people, as well as to the Gentiles. Consider that these Jewish people lied, deceived, attacked, followed him from city the city, and had him falsely imprisoned, yet he loved them. Paul said he would wish to go to hell himself if it would save the Jewish people.

I cannot tell anyone else what they should do, but I believe the example is clear – we owe a debt.  I owe a debt to two pastors who invested in me. I owe a debt to the church members who financed the buildings where I attended church and college. I owe a debt to the parents who taught me everything from how to wipe my nose and tie my shoes to how to work and do my job well.

I owe a debt to the faithful church members who have stood by me and built, not only buildings but lives. I owe a debt to those who gave generously of their time, talents, and treasure, that souls might be saved, young people might be trained, and so we could have a part in sending the Gospel to the world.

I owe my wife who has followed my dreams and joined wholeheartedly in the great sacrificial work we have done for over four decades.  I owe a debt to her; she has worked to raise our children and never complained about my long hours or the tight budget.

I do not choose to follow the self-centered critics, who slander those who trained them.  I cannot join the circle of people who assault those who sacrificed in order to give them an education, and put up with their foolishness in order to help them grow to maturity. I will not follow the people who forsake the loyalty they owe to those who literally built the life that they now criticizes and slander their own founder.

My parents will be loved and respected, and honored in my words and deeds. The two churches and two pastors that have invested in my life and the life of my wife, will be spoken about with respect, honor, and held in high esteem. If Paul could wish that he would be sent to hell in exchange for Jews to be be saved, how much love and loyalty do we owe those who invested in us?

I owe much to America.  With all its weaknesses, all I physically have came from this nation and those who went before me.  I will love my nation, pray for my nation, and be frustrated with those who criticize my nation.  I am bothered when someone comes from another country and drinks from the well of U.S. prosperity, and then tries to turn this great land into the sewer from which they came.  When an uneducated gal immigrates to the U.S. and becomes a bartender, and within a few years, becomes a millionaire in Congress, I say, “What a nation of opportunity!”  When that same person says, “What a racist nation of bigots,”  I am greatly bothered.  I am angered when D.C. residents, who call themselves “elite,” live in luxury, yet try to eliminate our founding documents. Spoiled brats, egotistical tyrants, arrogant yet worthless leaches on a great nation: I have no use for them, for they owe a debt! 

I wish my nation could be saved. I wish there would be revival again stirring hearts all across our nation.  I owe so much to this land, to our founders, and to those who gave their lives on the altar of military service.  I am a debtor.

 Pastor

He Doesn’t Want Your Life

Good Morning,

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

We often hear the phrase, “Give your life to Christ,” and I am sure the motives behind it are good, but why not consider what Jesus actually asks for.  In Romans 12 we read that we are to present our body, that fleshly thing we walk around in.  The Lord asks for your body.  

That sacrifice to which this verse refers is reminiscent of the lamb that was brought to be killed and have its blood offered – that is a serious offering.  That offering goes beyond simply attending church on Sunday morning.  We are urged to say, “Here God, take all I am, all I have, 24/7.”

God asks for our body to glorify Him, and as such, to avoid sexual sins.  

1 Corinthians 6:20 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."

We are to mortify the desires and even the needs of the body, it is not to rule our behavior.  

Romans 8:13 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."

There are many exhortations regarding our body, not just the philosophical “LIFE.”  

Romans 6:13 “…members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

vs. 19 “…yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” 

Philippians 1:20 “…also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” 

There are many other verses, but notice this last passage; He addresses the heart, the conscience, and the BODY.  

Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

If we want to be serious about the Bible’s instruction, we must understand that God wants our body!  What you see matters. What you touch matters.  From diet to dress, from where we go to our countenance – it all matters and God wants it all to glorify Him. Our body includes hair, tattoos, fingernails, shoes, makeup, clothing, and more.  Yes, God wants to be glorified in our BODY.

Our “body” would include how young people date, athletic involvement, dress at the beach or pool (and maybe even our weight).  This thing we walk around in is a tool to glorify God.  That BODY is supposed to bring glory to God in every situation.  God could have said that He desires our spirit, or motive, or a generic “life,”  but over and over, the Bible says BODY – and that is what God wants. 

Pastor